Oct. 4, 2011 - PRLog -- Aspergillus is a genus of fungi consisting of hundreds of species. It is found in various climates worldwide and is common in the environment. It can be found in soils, on plants and in decaying plant matter. It is also found in household dust, building materials, and even in spices and some food items.

This fungus is also commonly present in indoor environments that have suffered water damage and elevated humidity levels. Aspergillus is of considerable concern because it causes a disease known as aspergillosis. In one of its most severe forms, invasive aspergillosis, there have been reported mortality rates of as high as 30 to 95%.

Since Aspergillus is so common in the environment, most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day and it is probably impossible to completely avoid breathing in some Aspergillus spores. For most people with a healthy immune system, this does not usually cause harm. Typically the immune system is able to get rid of these spores unless there is an elevated concentration of the spores in the environment.

“For people with compromised immune systems, breathing in Aspergillus spores, can lead to infections and even death in extreme cases,” reported Brian Mcfarland, Vice President of Legends Environmental Insurance Services, a leading provider of insurance coverage to the environmental industry. “Studies have shown that invasive aspergillosis can occur during building renovations and construction. Aspergillus spores are also commonly found in buildings that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels that have allowed the mold to grow and multiply indoors. Buildings such as healthcare facilities, with people that have weakened immune systems, need to be especially vigilant of this dangerous fungal pathogen,” he continued.

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